Bedside General and Cardiac Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Critically Ill Patients: Part I

We recommend that ultrasound should be used to complement physical examination and conventional chest radiography to diagnose and localize a pleural effusion. (1A)

We recommend that ultrasound guidance should be used to assist in drainage (including needle guidance), particularly of small or loculated effusions compared with landmark technique. (1B)

We have no recommendation regarding the preference to use of either static or dynamic technique to do so. ()

We recommend that ultrasound should be used to complement or replace conventional chest radiography to diagnose a pneumothorax, depending on the clinical setting and need for rapid results. (1A)

We suggest that a systematic approach incorporating bedside ultrasound may be a primary diagnostic modality for the ICU patient with respiratory failure. (2B)